The Department of Home Affairs says a total of nine prisoners at Victoria Road jail refused their meals yesterday lunchtime.

Five prisoners then refused their evening meal.

The prisoners are protesting at the smoking ban which came into force at the prison in March.

A media release says that all prisoners are taking fluids and some have also had their week’s canteen entitlement which include sweets and biscuits

The inmates involved in the protest are being monitored closely by staff and will also be checked by Prison Healthcare.

The DHA says no prisoners are showing any signs of the effects of not eating and all appear to be well.

(Picture: The prison in Victoria Road, Douglas).